Second call to halt work

State Greens MP Dr John Kaye has again called for construction of the substation at Empire Bay to be stopped.

"Residents on Monday, January 24, were horrified to witness the clearing of vegetation at the site of the substation at Empire Bay," said Dr Kaye.

"Several mature swamp mahoganies, common to endangered ecological communities, have been destroyed and areas reserved for bushland regeneration and preservation seriously impacted upon," he said.

Dr Kaye said the government should delay the project at least until a report on reducing or deferring electricity network charges has been properly assessed.

"By approving the substation, Energy Australia ignored the concerns of local residents and a 2003 ruling by the Land and Environment Court that places a restriction on permissible uses of the site.

"There is no reason why the Energy Minister Lynch can't immediately halt construction of this unnecessary and damaging project," Dr Kaye said.

Energy Minister Mr Paul Lynch said he was advised by Energy Australia that the project started after community consultation and environmental assessments.

"I am further advised by Energy Australia that the project will protect dedicated bushland zones," he said.

"The vast majority of new power lines will also be laid underground," said Mr Lynch.

Media Release, 27 Jan 2011 John Kaye, Greens NSW Email, 1 Feb 2011 Andrew Williams, Office of Paul Lynch MP